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Randy's 1999 season, and his AWA softball career, came to an abrupt end when he tore his achilles tendon while running the bases. This was a huge blow to the team, who had regarded Randy as the unsung hero of the previous two seasons. A veteran softballer who had competed at the highest levels in his youth, Randy "just wanted to play a little second base and help out on offense a bit" for AWA. But old #77 was nothing short of terrific during his AWA tenure, and he played a huge role in AWA's success in the late '90s, filling in at shortstop after Bruce Christie's retirement, and taking over Brian Christie's unfillable #2 spot in the batting order. He ranked among the team leaders in hitting and providing leadership and steady play in the infield. Randy was the only grandfather on the team (and one was enough, thank you). His play at shortstop in 1998 was so good that Randy captured the team's Gold Glove Award as his tremendous quickness around the bag made the double play a great weapon for the AWA defense. |
